What's the difference between targeted and immunotherapy?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 49-year-old female. Recently diagnosed with lung cancer after a CT scan and biopsy. I am trying to understand treatment options, but it is confusing. I had an earlier persistent cough, mild breathlessness, and fatigue. My oncologist mentioned targeted therapy and immunotherapy as possible treatments depending on mutation tests.

What is the difference between targeted therapy and immunotherapy?
Are they stronger than chemotherapy, or used in different situations?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern.

Let me tell you that treatment in the beginning depends on two very important things: first, your general condition, and second, the stage of cancer, meaning whether it is at stage 1, 2, 3, or 4.

In stages 1 and 2, we have the option of surgery and the option of stereotactic radiosurgery. All these options are available together with chemotherapy if needed. In stages 3 and 4, surgery is less common, and we focus on immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

The difference between immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy is based on your ability to tolerate treatment.

Chemotherapy is stronger, and we give it if your general condition is good.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are gentler, with minimal side effects, and most patients can tolerate them.

So, if your general condition does not allow chemotherapy, we use immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Investigations to be done are biopsy and molecular tests, PET-CT (positron emission tomography - computed tomography).

The treatment plan includes the following:

Surgery.
Radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy.
Targeted therapy.
Immunotherapy.

We also have supportive care options for cases where there is spread to the bones or brain. These are simpler treatment options. So everything should be clear for you. If you have any questions, you can come back to us at any time, and we hope you can choose the most suitable treatment for your condition.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.